Update 05/25/2021 - Don't know how to take a screenshot or video with your Android and iOS smartphone (iPhone)? We have added information to help you find your way around as well as illustrations.
Taking a screenshot on a smartphone, both Android and iOS, is not just about pressing a single button. The experience can even be quite frustrating, especially if you are trying to capture a specific moving scene like in a video clip or a game. To make matters worse, some devices require specific handling depending on the brand.
To clarify things, we present here the standard methods to take a screenshot on Android and iOS, and alternative or specific methods for certain brands.
Take a screenshot on Android
Almost all Android phones or tablets allow you to take a screenshot by holding down the Volume Down and Power buttons simultaneously . Simply hold down for a brief moment and when released, a shutter sound is heard, the screen flashes and a thumbnail of the screenshot appears at the bottom of the screen.
Easy as pie.
The problem is that the sequence may differ from phone to phone. For example, on the Pixel 5 you have to press both buttons for about a second while on the OnePlus 9 you have to quickly press both buttons without holding them down. And if you don't time your pressure perfectly, the capture doesn't happen. Worse still, you get thrown into the reboot screen.
You can also go through the control center to take a screenshot or even a video . It is possible that the appropriate icons are not visible, in which case, it will simply be necessary to add them by going to the editor, often represented by a small brush / pen.
Control Center opens by swiping down from the top of the screen, or from the top corner on some smartphones.
If these methods don't work, it may be because your phone's manufacturer has its own way. We have highlighted the methods of the most present (and recent) devices on the market.
On a Samsung smartphone
Samsung offers three additional options for taking a screenshot on a Galaxy model like the Galaxy S21 or the Galaxy Note 20.
To enable the palm swipe gesture, go to Settings > Advanced features > Motions & gestures and toggle the option. When enabled, swipe your hand from the left edge of the screen to the right edge.
Example with a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2.
Go to Settings > Display > Side Screen, then add the Smart Capture feature. You can then open the side menu and select the mode to take a screenshot, record your screen, or create a GIF.
Grab the S-Pen stylus and use the gesture commands menu to take a screenshot. Using the stylus allows you to drag the capture window to any part of the screen, which can save you having to reframe later.
On a Xiaomi
It is possible to take screenshots in different ways on a Xiaomi device. First, you can short press the Home and Volume Down button.
You can also configure a second gesture. On our Xiaomi Mi Note 10 for example, you have to go to Settings > Additional settings > Function shortcuts > Take a screenshot.
Example with a Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra.
You do not know how to differentiate these different manipulations? Don't worry, they are all accompanied by a very clear animated GIF.
On a Huawei & Honor smartphone
On a Huawei or Honor smartphone, press and hold the power and volume down buttons simultaneously to take a quick screenshot. You can also use the control center for this.
Small peculiarity of EMUI; you can double tap the screen with your knuckle to take a screenshot. This shortcut can be configured by following this path:
Settings > Accessibility features > Shortcuts & gestures > Take screenshot.
Example with a Huawei P40.
On an Oppo smartphone
Press Home button and Volume Down to take a screenshot. You can also go through the control center to trigger a photo or video capture.
Alternate gestures are normally enabled by default, but if that's not the case for you, go to Settings > Comfort tools > Screen capture .
The path is similar for video capture: Settings > Comfort tools > Screen capture . You will be able to choose a video resolution, frame rate, video encoding format, chosen sound.
On a Motorola smartphone
Open the Moto app then select Moto Actions and Three Finger Screenshot. A quick demo allows you to try it out before activating it. The principle consists in placing on the screen three fingers slightly apart until the screenshot appears.
Take a screenshot on iOS
The technique for taking a screenshot on iOS will depend on the model you have:
On a recent iPhone (X and above)
Unlike Android, on an iPhone X, 11 or 12 you have to press the home button and volume up to start a screenshot.
Example with an iPhone 12 mini.
Apple introduced the Back Tap feature with iOS 14, a shortcut that you can activate by tapping 2 or 3 times against the back of your iPhone (see GIF). To configure it, just follow the following path:
Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Touch the back of the device > Touch 2 or 3 times > Screenshot
Here's how the Back Tap works on an iPhone 12 mini.
On iPhone SE (or other iPhone with Touch ID)
Simultaneously press the side button and the home button to take a screenshot on an iPhone SE. On an iPod Touch or an iPhone with a button on the upper edge, you have to hold it and press the main button.
Example with an iPhone SE (2020).
Screenshots can then be found in Albums > Screenshots .
CNET.com article adapted by CNETFrance
Image: Juan Garzon/John Kim/CNET